Improved uranium bioleaching in brackish environments via microbial consortium using RSM based modelling and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Hydrometallurgy

Background:

• Bioleaching is an eco-friendly extraction method, but its efficiency decreases in brackish water.
• Successful bioleaching often involves a synergistic combination of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms.
• Uranium extraction from low-grade ores is challenging, especially in saline environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance uranium bioleaching efficiency in brackish water environments.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of a halotolerant bacterium (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans THA4) and a fungus (Rhodotorula toruloides IR-1395).
• To model and optimize uranium extraction using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

Main Methods:

• Utilized a consortium of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans THA4 and Rhodotorula toruloides IR-1395 for uranium bioleaching.
• Employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to model and optimize experimental conditions.
• Analyzed ore sample morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).

Main Results:

• The RSM model accurately predicted uranium extraction, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.94.
• The microbial consortium achieved a 24.22% increase in uranium bioleaching compared to the bacterium alone under optimal conditions.
• SEM-EDS analysis revealed morphological changes in ore samples due to microbial activity.

Conclusions:

• A synergistic interaction between Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Rhodotorula toruloides enhances uranium bioleaching in brackish water.
• The developed biohydrometallurgical approach improves uranium extraction from low-grade ores in saline conditions.
• This study provides valuable insights for optimizing bioleaching processes in resource-limited and challenging environments.